At rehearsal for a Stake Conference Choir the other night I was asked by a friend, "So, is it fun or boring to sing songs that you know so well and could probably sing in your sleep?" This friend knew I had sung in the Tabernacle Choir and that we were singing one of Mack Wilberg's arrangements that we had sung regularly in that choral organization. All I could answer was "yes."
The trouble with singing the Wilberg arrangement of "The Spirit of God" is that small choirs can't really do it justice. It starts with one male voice, then goes to two, then a trio, then 4-part men, then finally SSAATTBB when the women are added at the end. It keeps building and building, or it should, but our group of less than fifty voices just can't seem to make that happen. But we will do our best.
I just feel bad when a group of singers are all trying so hard but they run out of gas before the climax. Mack Wilberg wrote for large college choirs and then an even larger group with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square plus rather powerful organs in the Tabernacle and Conference Center with equally powerful organists. No wonder that particular arrangement is so masterful.
But then there is reality.
Personally, I would rather listen to a choral group that sings music that plays to their strengths such as sticking with solid SATB with possible splits with a descant or high note for the soprani at the very end. I love when the group sounds balanced, blended, and powerful --- not when they fizzle out before the climax.
Another problem with singing a song you have memorized and your part doesn't even come in until the last few pages is that you have to wait through everyone else's learning time. Now, generally, I like rehearsals, but even for me, I start to lose patience when the other women in the choir just can't keep from whispering and talking amongst themselves during their down time. It seems to me that the choir director would take that into account and at least choose music that everybody gets equal time to sing.
The trouble with singing the Wilberg arrangement of "The Spirit of God" is that small choirs can't really do it justice. It starts with one male voice, then goes to two, then a trio, then 4-part men, then finally SSAATTBB when the women are added at the end. It keeps building and building, or it should, but our group of less than fifty voices just can't seem to make that happen. But we will do our best.
I just feel bad when a group of singers are all trying so hard but they run out of gas before the climax. Mack Wilberg wrote for large college choirs and then an even larger group with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square plus rather powerful organs in the Tabernacle and Conference Center with equally powerful organists. No wonder that particular arrangement is so masterful.
But then there is reality.
Personally, I would rather listen to a choral group that sings music that plays to their strengths such as sticking with solid SATB with possible splits with a descant or high note for the soprani at the very end. I love when the group sounds balanced, blended, and powerful --- not when they fizzle out before the climax.
Another problem with singing a song you have memorized and your part doesn't even come in until the last few pages is that you have to wait through everyone else's learning time. Now, generally, I like rehearsals, but even for me, I start to lose patience when the other women in the choir just can't keep from whispering and talking amongst themselves during their down time. It seems to me that the choir director would take that into account and at least choose music that everybody gets equal time to sing.
On a more positive note, however, I was told at rehearsal that the other song that will be sung during this January Stake Conference will be one of my duet arrangements. "Lead Kindly Light" will be sung by two competent singers. So, though I don't know if they will sing the higher or lower version, I am sure they will do a good job. I am excited to hear them sing.
"Lead Kindly Light" is available in 2-part chorus or duets of equal voices in both higher and lower versions.
"Lead Kindly Light" is available in 2-part chorus or duets of equal voices in both higher and lower versions.
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